Turn of the Century in American English
The turn of the century in American English marks an important period in the history of the language. During this time, many changes occurred in the way the language was used, written, and spoken. It was a time of great innovation and creativity, and the changes made to the language during this period had a lasting impact.
The Industrial Revolution and American English
The Industrial Revolution of the late 18th century had a major effect on the development of American English. As technology and industry advanced, the need for a standardized language became even more apparent. With the rise of large cities, communication between different groups of people was essential, and the language had to be able to accommodate a variety of dialects.
The development of the telegraph and the telephone were two of the most important innovations of the period. These technological advances allowed people to communicate over long distances, increasing the need for a standard form of the language. The development of these technologies also had a major impact on the way people wrote, as writing for the telegraph had to be concise and clear.
The Standardization of American English
At the turn of the century, the English language was beginning to take shape as a standard form. This standardization was largely due to the efforts of lexicographers and scholars who worked to identify and record the most commonly used words and phrases. The dictionary makers of the period also worked to create dictionaries that included words from all dialects of English.
In addition to the work of lexicographers, the invention of the typewriter and the rise of the printing press also helped to spread the standard form of English. These technologies made it easier for people to communicate with one another, and the standard form of English became even more widespread.
The Growth of Education and American English
At the turn of the century, the importance of education was growing, and the need for a standard form of English was even more apparent. Schools and universities began to require students to learn and use the standard form of English, and the language began to be taught in the classroom. By the end of the century, English had become the primary language of instruction in most schools.
In addition to the rise of education, the development of the mass media also helped to spread the standard form of English. Newspapers, magazines, and radio broadcasts all helped to promote the standard form of the language. This helped to create a unified version of English that could be understood by everyone.
Conclusion
The turn of the century in American English marked a period of great change and innovation. The development of the telegraph, telephone, typewriter, and printing press all had an impact on the way the language was written and spoken. The rise of education and the mass media also helped to spread the standard form of the language. This period was crucial in the development of American English and the changes that were made during this time had a lasting impact on the language.